Opera, the power of song

The Italians who invented Opera four centuries ago were seeking to recreate the theatre of the ancient Greeks, an amalgam of words, music, dance and spectacle in the setting of a communal festival. The power of song to unlock strong emotions has been central to the ability of this composite art form to speak across national and linguistic boundaries ever since.

Over time Opera has become an emblem of European culture. Its creation and performance are a prime focus of a nation’s cultural identity, but one which communicates internationally. An opera house belongs to its own town and region, but it is visible to the world.

The greatest and most prolific composers of opera – Monteverdi, Händel, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Berlioz, Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Strauss, Janáček, Britten – bring to life stories which have a direct impact on people’s lives. Today’s creators may use different techniques, but the combination of music and theatre retains the magical potency to inspire and entertain which held Athenian audiences captive 2,500 years ago